National week of action to tackle personal robbery launched

We are taking part in a national operation, taking part across England, Wales and Scotland, to tackle personal robbery.

Operation Calibre, which launched on Saturday 10 December and will continue until Saturday 17 December, will see intensified efforts including looking to target habitual offenders and take them off the street, education and prevention.

Detective Inspector Peter Goodwin, the force’s robbery lead, said: “Personal robbery has a devastating impact on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting. We know criminals look for easy opportunities, often targeting some of the most vulnerable in society.

“We continue to see this impact and whilst personal robberies are at their lowest levels nationally since 2016, we cannot afford to take it for granted and must continue to target those habitual criminals who can be responsible for a large amount of offending.

“This week of action deliberately coincides with the build up to the festive period and when shoppers are likely to be out more, shopping for gifts for their loved ones.

“Police officers across the county are working day and night to protect communities and our message to those who think it is ok to commit a robbery and inflict violence in our communities is clear: we will not tolerate this. You will end up facing significant consequences and we will catch you.

“We will target our activity in known hotspot areas, increasing our visibility and operational activity and arresting those intent on committing crime.

“Throughout the week, we will see both an increase in operational policing activity, as well as preventative work with schools and colleges to show young people the impact of robbery and how it effects the future of both the victim and offender.”